Hyatt’s US$2-billion Playa sale leaves Jamaica resorts shuttered until late 2026

Core Viewpoint - Hyatt Hotels Corporation has completed a US$2 billion sale of its Playa Hotels & Resorts real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts, while seven Hyatt properties in Jamaica will remain closed until late 2026 due to hurricane damage [1][2]. Group 1: Sale Details - The sale involved a portfolio of 15 all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with Hyatt retaining long-term management contracts for 13 of the 14 properties [6]. - The deal strengthens Hyatt's cash flow and allows the company to repay debt related to the Playa acquisition, while maintaining investment-grade credit profile [8][9]. Group 2: Impact on Jamaica - The closures of the seven properties in Jamaica are expected to negatively impact the local tourism sector, which relies heavily on all-inclusive resorts for visitor arrivals and foreign exchange earnings [3]. - Hyatt has provided financial assistance to affected employees through the Hyatt Care Fund, but the absence of operational properties will likely affect local communities dependent on tourism jobs [3][11]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The reopening of Hyatt's resorts in late 2026 will be critical for assessing the resilience of both the properties and Jamaica's broader tourism economy [11][12]. - Tortuga's acquisition marks its emergence as a significant player in beachfront hospitality, with plans to collaborate closely with Hyatt to unlock new growth opportunities [7][11].